Category Archives: Dubstep

Bassweight Sessions 3: Calski

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Big up fam’.  As I had said on Tuesday, I have a very special interview today with a Bristol-based producer.  There’s got to be something in the air in Bristol because the amount of top-notch musicianship that comes out of that city is just massive.  I’m going to have to collect some air in a jar whenever I get over there and take a huff each time I get in front of my beat machine ;).  Anyways, let’s get down to business!

Today’s feature is with Calum Lamont, aka Calski.  If you’re not familiar with his sound, I strongly urge you to look into it.  This is a producer who, in less than three years, has gained himself support from some of the scenes rising stars like My Nu Leng, DK, and The Town as well as dominators such as Phaeleh.  To try and pigeonhole Calum’s sound is nearly impossible (he’ll even tell you himself) as he is constantly changing the tempo, approach, and style of his productions.  What is very clear about this man is his ability to make beautiful music, so it should be no surprise that the King of melodic bass music, Phaeleh, has been showing his support.  Don’t want to say much more because his responses are quite informative.  Take a look below to find about what Calski has to say about being a musician in Bristol and why he feels it best to produce a multitude of genres rather than stick to a single formula…

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1.  Just to get the formalities out of the way, can you give the readers a quick rundown about who you are and the music that you make?

Im Calski, I’m from bristol and I make sub bassy, melodic and percussion based music. It’s always a tricky one when someone asks that because I dont really know what to say. I tend to cross between genres and try messing about with different styles so it hopefully stays interesting for people.

2.  How long have you been involved with music production?  What was it that sparked your passion?

I’ve been producing for about 3 years now. When I was younger I played the saxaphone and piano, which is what started my passion for music.  I only moved onto computer production after I downloaded a free demo of fruity loops on my mums computer and started making cheap grime tunes, but it was pretty pointless because you couldnt save your beats on the demo!  After I got bored of the FL demo I just enrolled in a music technology course and it all went from there really.

 3.  You seem to really have an exceptional ability to work your drum tracks.  Is this something that just manifested itself through your production style, or do you make the conscious effort to create the cleanest and fullest drum tracks?

Percussion is just something I’ve slowley progressed on over the years.  I love fat, punchy drum beats and anything with rythm and a nice bouncey vibe to get your head nodding.  I always find its important to work the drums as much as you can because in my tunes they are usually the main factor along with the sub and they can make or break the tune.

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 4.  Furthering on your production style, your sound is undeniably distinct.  I don’t know if it’s just something about Bristol that injects creativity into people, but the amount of artists w/ fresh sounds in massive (Die & Break, Addison Groove, Phaeleh, Guido, Kahn, Appleblim, list goes on…)!  How would you say the environment in Bristol has transposed itself into your productions, if at all?

Yeh its a hugeley inspirational city for music, arts and culture.  I’ve lived here for about 4 years now and dont think I will ever move.  I believe the city has had nothing but positive effects on my music, Bristol has some sick producers and labels in so many different genres so I try to take inspiration from everywhere I can. I started getting booked for small gigs for no money when I first moved to Bristol and it made me see just how big it all was, seeing people making their own tunes and doing well at their own thing drove me to try it myself.  I believe its important to be around people with similar goals and aspirations as you because you motivate one another.

 5.  You tend to cross genre platforms when writing music.  Some people believe that when trying to build a name for yourself, it’s better to identify with a particular sound in order to “brand’ yourself, in a sense.  You seem to have transcended this philosophy, so I’m curious as to hear your thoughts about cross-genre beat making.

Personally I think its important to cross different genres.  Most of the people I look up to and aspire to be are versatile producers.  I think if you use the same drum pattern, synth or stlye in every tune you make, you might make a few bangers but eventually people will get bored because its too predictable.  When I start making a tune, I never have any idea where im going to go with it.  I usually start with percussion and see where it takes me from there, but it never usually ends up where I thought it would!  I also listen to all different sorts of music so I can hear something that will inspire me to take a tune in a whole different direction when I’m half way through writing it.  I can be pretty annoying sometimes as well!

 6.  You and KeyedUp make quite the team.  How did you guys get linked up?  What more can we expect to hear from you two in the future?

We live in the same sort of area and just met through the music scene and started making tunes when we were chilling at mine. We dont really make tunes anymore because we are just heading in different musical directions.

 7.  Your debut EP on Overcooked Records  will be seeing a released October 1st.  I’ve listened to the tunes, and they’re top-notch!  How has the reaction been so far on the release?

Thank you 🙂  There has been a really positive reaction so far which I am really greatful for.  It’s had a few good reviews and its being played by some of my favourite artists.  People like ‘Enigma Dubz’, ‘My Nu Leng’ and ‘Phaeleh’ have been supporting it which is a real honor for me because I’ve been listening to their stuff before I even began producing.  I think the good thing about the EP is there is a variation of styles and hopefully a track for everyone on it, and if not.. wait for the next release!

 8.  Is there anything else in the near future that the readers should keep their eyes/ears out for (gigs, releases, etc.)?

There should be multiple releases dropping in the next couple of years.  A few EP’s on Overcooked Records and some releases on various different labels in between. Lots of different vibes to come!

 9.  What’s the one piece of advice/knowledge that you have today that you wish somebody would passed down to you early on in your career?

Without sounding too cliche …Just work hard at what you want to do, be persistent and determined in life and one day, eventually, it will pay off.

 10.  Who shot Biggie & Pac?

illuminati 😉

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Much respect out to Calum for taking the time out of his day to contribute to our Bassweight Sessions series.  If you haven’t already previewed his EP on Overcooked Records, the ‘St. Andrews EP’, be sure to check the link below as it’s most definitely one you’ll want to add to your collection!  Featuring 3 Originals, a collaboration with Enigma Dubz, and a remix of an Inkarv production.  Big sounds no doubt.  The EP is available for pre-order of iTunes currently and will be officially released on October 1st at all good online record stores.

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Also, to top things off Calski has been generous enough to build a mix for all your listening pleasures.  Unfortunately there were some complications while trying to upload the mix to Soundcloud, and I was not able to use that particular platform.  I have uploaded the mix to Mixcloud but, since the ability to embed the players used by Mixcloud to a WordPress site is non-existent (C’mon WordPress, seriously?!) you will have to follow the link below to our Mixcloud profile.  Believe me though, it is WELL WORTH the extra two clicks you will have to endure ;).  Check the link below…

http://www.mixcloud.com/BassweightSociety/calski-bassweight-sessions-3/

I hope you all enjoyed the words and the mix!  Will see you next time.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Free Music From Truth & DJ Madd + More.

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Bless up everybody.  There has been a lot of free music given out by top-notch producers lately so I figured that I would focus today’s post around that!  Who doesn’t like free music, right?

The first tracks I want to highlight are off the free album that Truth has put together to launch their new label, Defy Recordings.  This duo has honestly been on one of the most consistent rampages I’ve seen.  Whether it be their productions, their performances, podcasts, or the infiltration of San Francisco, CA’s streets, these guys have been carving out a very large name for themselves, and on a global scale.  BWS has been blessed enough to host Truth (Andre) at one of our events and it was epic!  Definitely a night that Santa Barbara still talks about.  The two tracks that have been released as an album sampler are ‘Gaza’ and ‘Rain Dancer ft. Yayne‘.  If you don’t follow them on Soundcloud, make sure to get on your profile and do so!  They have released remixes by J:Kenzo and Perverse exclusively to their Soundcloud followers.  Download the tracks below and make sure to give a massive shout to these boys.  An album of this caliber for free is genuinely one of the nicest things I have seen any producer do – so please make your gratitude known to them!

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This next free bit is a remix from my all-time favorite producer, DJ Madd.  Ever since I discovered his productions in 2008, I have been blown away by his sound and versatility.  Like many producers, he started by making drum and bass and naturally progressed into dubstep.  His productions are unrivaled in my opinion.  The man makes the cleanest, most diverse, and most powerful beats that circulate.  This remix he did of Congo Natty – Marcus Garvey is another shining example of his musical mastery.  This is an absolute spliff riddim’ that keeps things dubwise and deep.  Don’t sleep on this one!

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Alright that’s it for the freebies.

This next bit is a remix that Distance has done for Submotion Orchestra, taking on the tune ‘Blindspot’.  Distance takes a different take on things with this track, still ending up with phenomenal piece of music.  Have a listen below.  Really excited for this one to release.

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The last piece for today is a mix built just Bassweight Society.  A good good friend of mine, that I’ve been mixing with for going on 4 years now, has just recorded, hands down, one of the most energetic drum and bass mixes I’ve heard in a looooooong time.  The track selection, placement, and execution is all spot-on.  Loads of fresh releases as well as a few older gems.  I really urge you to set the time aside for this one!  All vinyl, all love.  Big up Nate.

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Big up fam’.  That’s all for today, probably for the next 10 days as I will be leaving for a trip tomorrow afternoon.  I wish you all the best!  All you Outlookers, I’m obscenely jealous, but am already looking forward to next years 🙂  Bless.

To the gods.

-Kinman

‘Cuba Electronic’ Video, KFKA, Truth, & Ghost Note

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Welcome back fam’.  Don’t really have much to say today, my head is out and about.  However, regardless of my mental state there is always amazing music being put out so I wanted to throw up some tunes that have caught my ear today.  Check….

The first piece of music I want to bring up is one I’m sure all (or at least most) of you have heard already.  But, the video that accompanies the production was just released today so you might not have caught that.  As I’m sure you’re aware, Mala’s ‘Cuba Electronic’ and ‘Calle F’ were released as a 12″ this week.  Brownswood Recordings has just upped the video that was produced for Cuba Electronic.  This was a very well produced video that shows a lot of rich culture from Cuba.  Obviously it is only a tiny fraction of what makes up Cuban culture, but nonetheless, it was a very inspiring video.  Lots of happy faces.  Hope you enjoy!  And get ready for the full album to drop September 10, 2012.

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The next piece comes from the Finnish producer KFKA.  I came across this mans productions a few months back and was instantly hooked.  This recent bit of his, titled ‘Angel Heart’, is a dark journey through heavy percussion and druid-like atmospherics.  Hope you enjoy, definitely keep your ears on this guy.

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Ghost Note is on the next track – ‘Quad’.  the huge punchy basslines on this one got my blood flowing!

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To finish the day off I got Truth’s debut installment of the Deep, Dark, and Dangerous show that now airs of sub.mission radio.  You can catch Truth live each Wednesday at 2:30 pm PST on Sub.Mission Radio.  This mix is a BEAST.  Just over an hour of hard-hitting bassweight and masterful blending.  Filled with Truth dubs galore and also a large number of dubs from other producers.  Make sure you set yourself aside enough time to listen to this one in its entirety!

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Hope you enjoy the sounds!  We will catch you next time 🙂

To the gods.

-Kinman

Bassweight Sessions 2: Thelem

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EZ everybody.  I don’t about you lot, but this week is killing me already.  I can’t wait for Friday to be here!

To finish off the month we have a very special interview and guest mix from Matt Weare, aka Thelem.  It would be surprising if any of you hadn’t heard/seen this name on the late, the man has been climbing the ranks within the underground quite steadily.  Harnessing a multitude of platforms, ranging from a radio show on Rood.FM to operating his own label (Orientis Recordings), Thelem has been steadily spreading his sound among those involved in the deeper sound scene.  From his intricately arranged cinematic productions to his booming tribal drenched dance floor rhythms, Matt is a force to be reckoned with – a statement backed by support from some of the scenes most prolific figures, like Kryptic Minds and Youngsta.  Despite the rather massive nature of his music, Thelem keeps his head on his shoulders and his ego on lock.  With all of the controversy that has been surrounding dubstep the past couple of years, this is a characteristic that I have the utmost respect for.  People claiming one thing is or isn’t dubstep, generalizing geographic regions, hailing themselves as “the last true stepper”, it has all gotten out of control.  To see that there are still people out there who just do their thing while the madness plays out, well, it’s a breath of fresh air.  There are MANY producers out there like this, but many more clowns.

So, in the midst of Thelem’s debut release on Osiris Music, we had a chance to grab some words from this badman about his recent releases and thoughts on running a label…

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1.  Ez Matty, thank you for taking the time to give us this interview, much respect.  Just to get the formalities out of the way can you give the readers a quick background about yourself?
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Ez, my name is Matt, I’m from the UK, I produce and DJ under the alias Thelem.
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 2.  From what I’ve seen you’re a pretty humble guy, generally keeping to yourself when it comes to opinions about any topic occupying threads among dubstep listeners.  Is this something that you set out to do?  Or is this just your personality type?
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Well Generally I’m pretty mellow I guess. I have my own opinions about certain things I see online, but I’m the type of person that doesn’t get involved in arguments and online debates. I’m also not a big fan of arrogance, so I guess it’s more in my nature to be humble.  I don’t get some people who act like superstars when what we do is just underground dance music. 
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3.  You launched your record label, Orientis, early last year (if I’m not mistaken), showcasing the up and coming talents Killa & Instinct, Antics, and Subreachers, alongside your own productions.  Are there any newcomers that you plan on introducing this year?
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Well sadly I have decided to close the doors on Orientis and call it a day. Mainly due to the fact of the time and cost required for running the label. I lost alot of money in the initial stages through the fault of an old distributor, so it was hard to ever come back from that and regain the money.  I thought instead of stressing and worrying, it would be better to focus more time and energy into other things. It wasn’t all a waste of time though, it was definitely an eye-opener and good insight to how it all works.

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4.  In your Hedmuk interview last year you spoke of the importance a vinyl release has to you – hence the vinyl only release nature, but due to the changing landscape of the scene you intended on catering with more digital releases.  I know that late 2011 saw the ‘Angles’ compilation, which was purely digital, but have your thoughts changed at all about the format in which you will choose to release?  Especially given the quite consistent rise in vinyl sales the past couple/few years (depending on who you talk to) has seen?
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I still think that vinyl releases play an important role to me.  It’s nice having that physical element of the hard work that went into making those tunes. Looking back when your older it’s going to be nice seeing what you achieved through your career with that physical format.  Apart from that, I also think a label that does vinyl as well as digital will tend to stand out more, so I think its good for the interest of the label and the artist. However, in my opinion it’s not just about vinyl either, it’s important that labels release digital copies of the release as I think they would miss a large target audience in not doing so. 

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 5.  We recently saw your debut release on Black Box, Kaba/Point of No Return, which was another quality project with Killawatt.  What a release!  After Swarf, Dualism, and BLKBOX009 (among many others I’m sure) you two have carved out to be quite the team.  How did you guys become acquainted with each other?
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Like most people that I have met in music, it started from chatting online, through Facebook or AIM, etc.  Back when I first started chatting to Killawatt he was pretty local to where I lived, like 20/30 minutes away, so we decided to meet up and get on a beat.  It all went from there really and we continued to work on collab productions.
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6.  Just recently got news about your debut release on Osiris music.  Congratulations on that one bro!  That’s quite the feat considering the selective nature of the label.  What was your reaction when first receiving this news?
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I was really stoked to be honest. Osiris has been one of my favorite labels for a while so it was huge step being able to release on them. 

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7.  The detailed nature in the atmospheric elements of your music is something that really caught my attention when first introduced to your productions.  Do you have any background education in cinematic or soundscape design?
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Nah I never studied anything like that, I guess self taught through my own productions and experimenting really. I do love atmospherics though, to me they help build the character of a tune, much like they do in film I guess. I like sci-fi / darker films and atmospheric soundscapes play quite an important role in them, so maybe that’s where it all stems from.
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8.  I believe you’re part of the Rood.fm family.  I lock in as often as I can to catch the various shows.  What’s it like to host a radio show?  How large of a factor would you consider the radio show, as far as getting your music out there to be heard?
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Sadly I’m no longer part of Rood.fm, I haven’t done my show on there for quite a while.  I had done it for about a year and I felt like a change was needed, it was time to move on and let someone else take the slot.  My show was not very popular, so I guess it didn’t really play a role in getting my own tunes out there, it was still fun at the time though. 
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9.  Who shot Biggie and ‘Pac?

The Illuminati loool

10.  What should the readers be on the look out for in the future?  Shows, forthcomings, etc.?

Well I have just done a remix for Kryptic Minds, hopefully you should hear about in soon, so keep your ears to the ground for that.  As for releases I have another Osiris release lined up that should be out in the not too distant future.  Booking wise you can find me in Lincoln and London, then Killawatt and me are heading to the States for a mini USA tour that I’m really looking forward to.  Then from there it’s off to Outlook festival, that’s about it for this month. 
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Big ups in taking the time to read this, enjoy the Mix!

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That’s all for today fam’.  Hope you enjoyed the read!  Below is a mix that Thelem built to accompany this interview.  Some seriously wicked tunes inside this mix, all beautifully blended.  Make sure you stop by Thelem’s page and show him some love!

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Catch ya’ next time.

To the gods.

-Kinman

DubApes – We Are Monkeys EP (PORK007)

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Oi oi!  What’s good with the people dem’.

Back from another weekend – unfortunately.  We really to need to have at least ONE 3-day weekend every month, get your votes in.  Anyway…

Hopefully you guys remember the badman Sparxy that we did a review about back in May, with his ‘Mr. Robot’ EP (peep it here).  Well today I want to take a look at another massive EP that was just released today on his Bacon Dubs label.  The EP is called ‘We Are Apes’ and hails from the Austrian duo, DubApes.  I had absolutely no idea who these guys were prior to this release, but you can count on the fact that I have them locked in my sight from here on out.  Marking the 7th release for Bacon Dubs, this 4-track piece of music comes hard with sub-flexing pressure and just the right amount of mid-range frequencies – something fresh and welcomed.

The EP is introduced by the track ‘We Are Monkeys’.  The track is eased in with ambient pads, eastern vibed winds, and harmonic droplets, all leading to a sound byte that clearly gave rise to the tracks name.  Once the tune drops it’s a groove ridden journey through halfstep madness.  The atmospherics in this tune really complement the vibe, giving depth and mysticism to this stomper.  The second track of the EP, ‘Africa Calling’, is without a doubt my (and seemingly everyone elses) favorite tune off of the EP.  This tribal bit can really transport ones mind into a primal state.  The intro is drenched with ceremonial grunts and chants that build up to a pounding kick riddim’ back by convulsing sub-bass lines and intricately placed percussives.  I honestly have to say that this is one of my favorite tunes released thus far in 2012 – absolutely massive.  And just when you think it’s finished, the second drop throws a twist that will seduce each and every bit of your mind and body.  Jeeeeeeeeeez.  Following Africa Calling is ‘Hanuman Langures’.  This one is probably my #2 for the EP.  There’s just something about it that sets it apart from all other sounds.  The pressure behind the kicks, the eastern mysticism, the carefully placed amen breaks, it just takes form so beautifully.  The DubApes incorporate a multitude of influences flawlessly, forging ahead with a very distinct sound repertoire.  The EP’s final track is ‘Pandora’s Sorrows’.  A beautiful way to finish the release off.  This track is the epitome of uniting the frequency spectrum in a proper fashion.  Hard-hitting sub pressure sits tightly behind modulated growls and emotive wind instruments.  The subs FLEX hard on this track.  Check the clips below!

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I find it pretty much fail-safe to say that the DubApes will be on a quick rise in the ranks throughout the remainder of the year, and into the future.  Their styles are a refreshing reminder that the possibilities within the 140 arena are truly endless – the best thing about dubstep.

You can purchase the EP on Juno and Beatport so get on it and show these guys some love!  Purchase links below…

Beatport (We Are Monkeys EP)

Juno Download (We Are Monkeys EP)

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That’s all for today fam’.  Be sure to check in tomorrow as we have a very special interview and exclusive mix from another top-notch producer 🙂

To the gods.

-Kinman